8 Alternatives to Airbnb for Booking Places to Stay in Singapore & Overseas

While Airbnb continues to be a popular platform for booking accommodation worldwide, travellers are increasingly seeking alternatives to Airbnb due to factors like rising costs, hefty service fees, and legal restrictions, especially in Singapore where short-term stays under three months in private residential properties are permitted. This regulation means that the Airbnb platform is not suitable for finding short term rentals for families on holiday in Singapore.

Fortunately, there are numerous excellent Airbnb alternatives that can offer better value and greater flexibility for those finding accommodations in Singapore and nearby destinations. These Airbnb competitors provide a range of options to choose from, catering to different travel styles and holiday durations.

This curated guide will explore eight of the best short term rental sites, covering both cheap and luxury alternatives to Airbnb. 

1. Agoda: Best for loyalty programme and regional rentals

• Good: Offers a strong loyalty programme with tiered benefits and a wide selection of properties in Southeast Asia.

• Bad: User interface can sometimes feel cluttered, and customer service experiences can be inconsistent. Plus it has higher fees compared to other platforms like Traveloka or Booking.com

• Use it when: You frequently travel within Asia and want to accumulate loyalty rewards for discounts and perks.

Agoda is a prominent online travel agency that serves as a compelling alternative to Airbnb, especially for those seeking rentals in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. While known for its hotel bookings, Agoda also features a significant number of apartments and villas, making it a viable option for longer stays or families. 

A key advantage is its Agoda VIP programme, which rewards frequent bookers with increasing discounts and benefits, offering a tangible saving compared to other vacation rental sites without such a robust loyalty scheme. 

>> Read more: Explore credit card promotions on Expedia

2. MetroResidences: Best for serviced apartments and corporate stays

• Good: Specialises in fully-furnished serviced apartments and extended stay options, ideal for corporate housing and longer-term accommodation in Singapore.

• Bad: Primarily focused on Singapore, lacking options for serviced apartment-style rentals in other countries.

• Use it when: You require a serviced apartment in Singapore for a longer duration, benefiting from amenities like housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and flexible lease terms.

MetroResidences stands out as a strong alternative to Airbnb within Singapore, particularly for those seeking the convenience and amenities of serviced apartments. They offer a curated selection of furnished short-term rental sites and long-term residences, making them a go-to for business travellers, expatriates, or anyone needing a comfortable and hassle-free stay beyond typical vacation rentals. 

Their focus on serviced apartments often includes benefits like regular cleaning, high-speed internet, and dedicated support, providing a level of service that can be less consistent with individual Airbnb hosts.

3. Booking.com: Best for earnings rewards on local getaways and international trips 

• Good: Offers a vast inventory of properties worldwide, including many in Singapore, coupled with the ability to unlock discounts and perks as you book more stays.

• Bad: Higher prices than local platforms for Southeast Asia destinations.

• Use it when: You value the convenience of a single platform for booking both staycations within Singapore and overseas travel.

Booking.com serves as a comprehensive alternative to Airbnb, providing Singaporeans with a wide array of local and international accommodation options ranging from hotels and resorts to apartments and villas. 

Its standout feature is the Genius loyalty programme, which rewards frequent travellers with points that unlock escalating tiers of increasing discounts and extra perks like free breakfast or room upgrades. This makes it appealing for those who enjoy local staycations as well as international trips, allowing them to accrue benefits that can be redeemed on future bookings.

4. Traveloka: Best for affordable local and regional rentals

• Good: Provides a wide selection of budget-friendly accommodations in Singapore and across Southeast Asia, often with exclusive deals and promotions.   

• Bad: May have a smaller selection of high-end or luxury properties compared to other Airbnb competitors.

• Use it when: You are looking for cost-effective alternatives to Airbnb for staycations in Singapore or budget travel within Southeast Asia.

Traveloka has established itself as a popular platform for Singaporeans seeking affordable travel and accommodation options, making it a strong contender amongst Airbnb competitors. Beyond flights and activities, Traveloka offers a substantial range of affordable accommodations, great for those looking for budget-friendly apartments, guesthouses, and even hotels for short-term stays within Singapore and across Southeast Asia. 

Its strength lies in consistently offering competitive prices and frequent promotions like bonus platform points, making it an excellent choice when you're prioritising value for money for your local getaways or regional explorations.

5. GlampingCity: Best for glamping and outdoor stays

• Good: Specialises in unique and luxurious glamping experiences at prime Singapore locations such as Sentosa, Orchid Country Club, and Swiss Country Club.

• Bad: Offers a niche service with a small number of locations, primarily within Singapore's popular recreational areas, which can lead to limited availability, especially during peak seasons.

• Use it when: You're seeking a distinctive "staycation" experience in Singapore that combines the outdoors with upscale amenities, offering a memorable alternative to Airbnb for a special occasion or a break from city life.

GlampingCity carves out a unique niche as one of the best short term rental sites for those in Singapore looking beyond conventional accommodation. Focusing exclusively on glamping, it provides an opportunity to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort, with well-equipped tents and access to facilities at their featured locations. 

While not a direct Airbnb competitor in the traditional sense, it is a compelling luxury Airbnb alternative for those seeking a memorable and out-of-the-ordinary short-term stay within Singapore's natural environments.

6. Luxury Escapes: Best for curated luxury deals and exclusive packages

• Good: Provides hand-picked, high-end accommodation packages that often include value-added extras such as spa credits, dining experiences, and tours, offering a premium stay.

• Bad: Geared towards the luxury market, so it typically features higher-priced options compared to platforms focused on budget travel.

• Use it when: You are looking for a special and indulgent getaway with curated experiences included, and are willing to invest in a more luxurious and comprehensive package.

Luxury Escapes positions itself as a premier luxury Airbnb alternative for discerning travellers in Singapore and beyond. Instead of simply listing individual properties, they curate exclusive packages at top-tier hotels and resorts worldwide, bundling accommodation with unique experiences and significant savings. 

This caters to those seeking a hassle-free and opulent escape where the details are taken care of, making it ideal for special occasions or when you desire a truly indulgent vacation rental experience with added perks that go beyond just the stay itself.

Make the most out of your travel with the best credit cards for overseas spending

Find the perfect credit card to maximise rewards before you go on your next globetrotting adventure. Here are some of the best travel credit cards in Singapore:

• Decent rewards on most categories: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

• No annual fee: CIMB Visa Infinite Card

• Flate rate rewards on all travel spend: Citi PremierMiles Card

• Singapore Airline perks: American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card

• Luxury travel perks: American Express Platinum Card

• No miles expiry and no conversion fee: OCBC 90°N Mastercard